The Church of the Good Shepherd

497 Godwin Avenue

Midland Park, NJ 07432

December 18, 2006

The Diocesan Council

31 Mulberry Street

Newark, NJ 07102

Dear Council Members:

            Included with this letter is a one page document which responds to the questions about the District 10 proposal, St. Mary’s New Life Ministries. The district has been involved in discussing collaborative ministry within the district for more than two years. As we have explored mutual ministry we have become aware that we as parishes can carry out a ministry together that we could not do singly. Collaborative ministry has energized us and given us a new purpose as a district.

            We understand that our proposal does not fit the mold of existing structures within the diocese; however, as you study it we hope that you will feel the excitement that we share over this proposal for a collaborative ministry in this district and we hope that we will have the opportunity, at your convenience, to meet personally with you to discuss this proposal.

            In the meantime, we ask you to study the proposal prayerfully and thoughtfully.

Faithfully yours,

The Rev. Charles N. Arlin

District 10 Convener

DISTRICT 10 Epiphany, Allendale All Saints, Glen Rock St. Clement’s, Hawthorne St. Bartholomew’s, Ho-Ho-Kus Good Shepherd, Midland Park St. Alban’s, Oakland Holy Communion,     Paterson St. Paul’s,     Paterson St. John’s,     Ramsey Christ,     Ridgewood St. Elizabeth’s,     Ridgewood Good Shepherd,     Ringwood St. Michael’s,     Wayne

St Mary’s New Life Ministries: History & Context

December, 2006

Who we are. 

W      The Lay Representatives and Clergy [Deacons & Priests] of District 10 Congregations who chose to gather together

W      developing ministries of our congregations and district, individually and collaboratively

W      recognizing that we are members of one body that is local, regional, diocesan, national, and worldwide

What we are doing. 

W      Proposing a new Ministry Developing concept that incorporates

v       identifying and meeting outreach needs within our communities

v       developing ministry opportunities for congregations and individuals to participate together in ministry

v       strengthening ties among congregations within our district and diocese

v       providing a model to assist congregations in developing themselves as faith communities and in engaging in their own ministries

v       living a totality of stewardship that shows forth the fruits of faith

v       understanding that we are moving beyond specific and established congregational development and outreach ministry proposals

W      As companions in mission, we are committed to doing together what we cannot do alone.

How we got here. 

W      For more than 2 years, as a District, we have been talking about how we can “do together in mission what we cannot do alone”

W      In the past 18 months, we have had more than 6 special district discussion & planning meetings that:

v       invited and welcomed All interested representatives from All District congregations

v       looked to generate a District conversation and proposal for ministry development

v       responded to the opportunity that the closing of St. Mary’s seemed to present

v       ranged in size from 8 to 20 lay members, deacons, and priests from 9 congregations

W      We devoted 3 District meetings to open discussion of the St. Mary’s New Life Ministries proposal:

v       September meeting discussed the proposal fully with many suggestions that were incorporated

v       Special October Meeting continued discussion with approval in concept and principal

v       November meeting discussed a proposed budget and other revisions

W      Most of our Vestries have discussed the proposal committed support either with a budget line-item or an affirmative resolution

Where we are going.

W      At least 9 ‘official’ drafts of the proposal have been generated and revised because we believe that we are creating something that:

v       is alive and growing and worthwhile

v       will require continual evaluation and accountability

W      We are asking that Diocesan Council and the Diocesan Trustees come on board with us to:

v       foster ministry development and help create a new paradigm

v       demonstrate support by committing for 5 years the earnings from the principal realized from the sale of the St. Mary’s property

W      Beginning with current ministries we will foster and develop new ministries that will come from the needs of those with whom we live and we will be doing together what we cannot do alone!